Pear Puff Pastry Tart with Cheddar & Walnuts

This is one of those recipes that checks all of the boxes: it’s sweet, savory, spicy, easy & fun to make, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.

I’ve been wanting to make an epic holiday tart for a while now and I’m convinced this gorgeous pear puff pastry tart came to me in a dream. Puff pastry makes the best bake for any type of tart because it bakes up flaky and delicious all on its own — all you have to do is top it!

We’re topping this tart with my favorite spicy habanero cheddar cheese, juicy pears, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of sweet honey to tie it all together. Don’t forget the flaky sea salt for that “voila!” finish.

All I’ll say is this puff pastry tart is so good that both Rebecca and Abra made it for their Friendsgiving celebrations before it even hit the blog and said it was gone in minutes. Bake this up for Christmas with family, share it with friends on New Year’s Eve, or just enjoy a little something special during your busy week.

Everything you’ll need to make this pear puff pastry tart

The best part about this recipe? It’s made with just 6 simple ingredients, plus some flaky sea salt (for good measure). Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Puff pastry: you can find puff pastry sheets in the freezer section of your grocery store!
• Cheese: I LOVE using a spicy cheddar for that perfect sweet and spicy combo. My fav is Cabot habanero cheddar.
• Pears: you’ll just need 1-2 just ripe Bartlett pears. Be sure they’re not overripe!
• Egg: you’ll also need an egg for an egg wash so that the edges get nice and golden.
• Honey: for that drizzle of delicious sweetness.
• Walnuts: adding some chopped, toasted walnuts creates the perfect crunch in every bite.
• Flaky sea salt: get a lil’ fancy with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Customize your pear tart

This easy pear puff pastry tart is great for jazzing up and making your own! Here are some ideas:

• Choose your fruit: I love using pears in this puff pastry tart, but sliced apples would be perfect this time of year and peaches would be great in the summer!
• Pick a cheese: if you’re not into spice, feel free to use regular sharp cheddar cheese. You could also switch it up with any of your fav cheeses like fontina, gouda, gruyere, havarti, or spicy pepper jack.
• Try a new crunch: chopped, roasted pistachios or pecans would also be delicious on top.
• Make them mini: feel free to cut your puff pastry into even squares beforehand and assemble them the same way if you want cute single-serve pear tartlets!

Add a kick of heat

If you love spice like I do feel free to drizzle on some hot honey instead of regular honey! I recommend this brand, otherwise, you can make your own by heating up the honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny bit of hot sauce.

Get a little extra

If you’re feeling extra fancy, try sprinkling on some ground cinnamon and coarse sugar along with the flaky sea salt!

Do I need to peel the pears?

Nope! Not unless you’d like to. I personally think the pears hold their shape best with the skins intact.

How to make this easy pear puff pastry tart

1. Prep your puff pastry. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add your thawed puff pastry and poke a few holes all over it with a fork.
2. Top your tart. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese, leaving 1 inch on all sides, and then add the sliced pears in rows.
3. Brush & bake. Whisk your egg in a small bowl, then brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash.
4. Bake, top & serve. Bake the tart until it’s golden and crisp, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sea salt. Cut into 9 squares and serve it up!

Should it be warm or cold?

This pear tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temp! That’s what’s great about serving it at parties and get-togethers.

Storing tips

If you have any pear puff pastry tart left over, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can reheat it in the oven until warmed through (just be sure not to overbake).

More fun appetizers you’ll love

Get all of my appetizer recipes here!

I hope you love this easy pear puff pastry tart! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!